Arteta hails 'phenomenal' Arsenal ace who makes players around him better

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical about Alexandre Lacazette, deeming him “phenomenal”.

The Gunners captain has been in fine form over the past few months.

While Lacazette may have not been particularly prolific, he’s chipped in with numerous crucial assists.

In Arsenal’s last nine Premier League games, the 30-year-old has registered two goals and four assists.

That said, Lacazette arguably could’ve had a goal against Wolves last time out.

The Frenchman forced the late goal that gave Arsenal all three points in last Thursday’s 2-1 win.

Jose Sa palmed Lacazette’s effort into his own net in the closing stages, but it was credited to the keeper.

Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, insists Lacazette has been instrumental in their recent improvement.

The Arsenal boss also reiterated his opinion that last week’s winning goal belonged to his player.

“Laca has a really important quality, which is that he makes the people around him better,” said Arteta.

“He understands the game really well, he’s a really intelligent player and his work-rate is phenomenal.

“I think he’s been very unlucky not to score another four, five, six goals in this period.

“We want to give him the confidence and he will do that but, for me, he scored last week against Wolves.

“He was there to make the final action to win the match.”

Despite being captain, Lacazette’s Arsenal future is uncertain, with his contract up at the end of the season.

However, given how much Arteta has been praising him, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pen fresh terms soon.

Mikel Arteta hails ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal ace who makes players around him better